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In Claymation, we see the story of Achilles. He loves Patroclus; they carry that love with them when the Greeks seek revenge on Troy. After nine years of assault on the city, Achilles goes into a funk and withdraws from the battle when he decides that Agamemnon, the Greek king, has denied him his due spoils, a captured Trojan slave girl. In Achilles' absence, Patroclus leads the Greeks into battle, with tragic consequences. To avenge his loss and absolve his grief, Achilles faces Hector. Written by
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Achilles is probably one of the most fascinating animation short films ever to be seen. The film succintly tells the fate of Achilles and (boy)friend Patrocles, how they grow to love each other and how they die in the Trojan war. The film is most interesting not only because it portrays the story of the Greek warrior under a new light (that of homosexual love, offering a very plausible and well constructed version indeed), but also because it is a rare mix of genres: the animation film is featured as a Greek play, with symbolic props, masks, etc. The movement of the puppets is so close to true life, it is sometimes difficult to believe these are just... well... "puppets". The love scene between Achilles and Patrocles is amongst the most erotic and beautiful scenes ever to be seen.

"Achilles" is a true delight for the eyes, a masterpiece in both the form and the content. It is an original way of presenting the story of Achilles, the mythical Greek warrior, but more generally of telling the story of a man, tortured by a love he does not want to acknowledge until he can no longer hide from it. And in the end, isn't that what makes Achilles so human, and thus so everlasting, rather than his heroic deeds in battle? A must. Don't miss it.

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